My 96 Tacoma Xtra cab's heater core started fogging the windshield early last fall. (I could smell antifreeze but have seen no other signs of a leak. Since it's not my primary driver, I just didn't drive it this past winter. Truck only has 108K actual miles. (I bought it in 2000, the mileage is correct) It's a 2 wheel drive LX Xtra cab with 2.4L engine and automatic transmission, AC, electric doors/windows. Truck is rust free, but paint is getting rough as clear-coat paint is gone off the cab and hood, driver's side is now flaking off... The interior is in excellent condition.
Problem is I've been unable to fix my "leaking heater core" issue. You literally have to remove the entire dash to replace the heater core. Since I have no garage/carport or structure in which I could do the work myself, I started asking around to see what the approx replacement cost might be. My usual mechanic said, "don't do them any more". Asked another local trusted mechanic/shop the same question and got the same answer, "don't do them any more"!!! Any suggestions??? Need defrost for winter months!
If the truck is in otherwise good condition, it is worth it. It's not all that difficult to do. See this -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQ-GlOvzUDE&ab_channel=Grant%27sGarageandAdventures
Thank you Doc. Yeah, the truck is in good condition and it's been well maintained. It runs fine, doesn't burn oil and drives OK. The transmission is a little on the weak side (guessing torque converter is worn like Scotty's Celica) So on occasional it will vibrate a bit at Idle while in gear. If the air condition is on, it doesn't vibrate at all. Until I realized the heater core was bad, my only concern was the withering clear-coat. I use it mostly around the homestead for hauling off trash, limbs, DIY store hauling such as bags of fertilizer, etc.
I found that video couple months back & bookmarked it. The guy had a garage & if I remember correctly.. he took a break overnight & started fresh the following day & that was just removal??? After watching the video I realized how much time and labor was involved.. Which is why I am wondering if I should pay to have some else fix it, if I can even get a quote! Good mechanics are in high demand & swamped.
This is the 3rd Toyota truck I've owned, 2 previous ones were Xtra cabs, SR5 2 wds.
However this rascal is 25
Anyone had success using Bar's Leaks 1186 (Radiator & Heater Core Stop Leak) to fix a misting/leaking heater core???
Some people have reported success but it's a temporary bandaid at best. The deterioration that is causing the leak will continue to get worse.
unable to fix my "leaking heater core"
I've seen videos where Scotty suggested using Bar's Leaks for some non-plastic coolant leaks.
Anyone had success using Bar's Leaks 1186 (Radiator & Heater Core Stop Leak) to fix a misting/leaking heater core???